A Comparative Analysis of the Implementation of the 2013 Curriculum and the Merdeka Curriculum in Arabic Language Learning at a Modern Islamic Boarding School

Abstract

Arabic language learning in modern Islamic boarding schools has developed alongside the implementation of the 2013 Curriculum and the Merdeka Curriculum within Indonesia’s national education system. Differences in teaching approaches, learning materials, methods, assessment, and learning outcomes make it important to comparatively examine the implementation of these two curricula. This study aims to compare the implementation of the 2013 Curriculum and the Merdeka Curriculum in Arabic language learning, focusing on teaching methods, learning materials, assessment, and students’ Arabic learning outcomes. This research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. The data were obtained through interviews with two Arabic language teachers at Pondok Pesantren Al-Anwar, Kumpeh, Muaro Jambi City. The participants were selected based on the research focus, namely the comparative implementation of the 2013 Curriculum and the Merdeka Curriculum in Arabic language learning. Data collection used structured and semi-structured interviews (in-depth interviews), enabling researchers to obtain both predetermined information and additional information through follow-up questions. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing or data verification. The results show significant differences between the implementation of the 2013 Curriculum and the Merdeka Curriculum in four main aspects: Arabic teaching methods, Arabic learning materials, Arabic language assessment, and students’ Arabic learning outcomes. Each curriculum has different characteristics and proportions in its implementation. The 2013 Curriculum emphasizes structured learning and the development of students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes, while the Merdeka Curriculum provides greater flexibility in adapting learning to students’ needs and potential. Nevertheless, the Merdeka Curriculum is essentially a development of the 2013 Curriculum and represents an educational innovation in Indonesia. It seeks to continue and improve the learning programs of the 2013 Curriculum while addressing aspects that still require evaluation and development.